Jack Anderson: Motion 19 was not helped by ‘internal inconsistencies’

The problem with motion 19 was its starting point: that all teams have to have a chance of competing in the Sam Maguire every year. The resulting system meant that if a similar one was adopted, say, to decide the champions of English football, then (as of Saturday night) Manchester United would be out (6th in EPL) but Plymouth (top of League One) and Forest Green (top of League Two) would be in.

A general view of a voting 'zapper' during the GAA Special Congress at Croke Park in Dublin. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Mon, 25 Oct, 2021 - 06:30

Jack Anderson

Jack Anderson is a professor of sports law and global expert in governance, and regulation. He advises sporting bodies and contributes widely to public debate – as well as being a Limerick hurling supporter.

Michael O'Hehir's commentaries evoke sepia summers of past provincial and All-Ireland finals.

One of O’Hehir’s finest moments was not GAA related at all. It was the Aintree Grand National of 1967. A loose horse, Popham Downs, drifted across the 23rd fence on the course. A pile-up ensued, seriously hindering the field, including the favourite Honey End. Foinavon, who until then was treating the race as seriously as a stag weekend in Liverpool, avoided the carnage, winning by 15 lengths at odds 100/1.